The Importance of a Band 6 Senior Staff Nurse Role in the NHS

A Band 6 Senior Staff Nurse plays a pivotal role in delivering high-quality patient care and providing leadership within clinical settings. Typically reporting to a Ward Manager or Clinical Lead, Band 6 nurses are responsible for supervising junior staff, ensuring compliance with care standards, and leading quality improvement initiatives. They act as role models, champions of patient safety, and clinical decision-makers who help maintain service excellence across departments such as medical wards, surgical units, mental health services, and community health teams.

The average salary for a Band 6 nurse in the UK ranges from £35,392 to £42,618 per annum (as of the 2024/2025 NHS Agenda for Change pay scale), depending on years of experience and location. This level of responsibility demands not only clinical expertise but also leadership, adaptability, and strong communication skills.

To help you succeed in your interview and confidently step into this rewarding role, we’ve compiled 20 common Band 6 Senior Staff Nurse interview questions along with expert sample answers.

Top 20 NHS Band 6 Senior Staff Nurse Interview Questions and Model Answers

1. Why do you want to work as a Band 6 Senior Staff Nurse?
   Answer: I am passionate about advancing patient care and supporting staff development. I see the Band 6 role as a platform to influence positive change, mentor junior nurses, and contribute to improving clinical outcomes.

2. How do you manage a busy shift and prioritize tasks?
   Answer: I begin with a safety huddle, review acuity levels, and assign staff accordingly. I use clinical judgment to triage tasks, ensuring urgent patient needs are met while maintaining communication with the MDT and updating care plans throughout the shift.

3. Describe your leadership style.
   Answer: I practice transformational leadership—motivating others by example, fostering open communication, and encouraging personal and professional growth among my team.

4. Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult team member.
   Answer: I once worked with a colleague who consistently arrived late. I had a private, respectful conversation, listened to their concerns, and collaboratively agreed on a solution. Their punctuality improved as a result.

5. How do you ensure patient safety on your ward?
   Answer: I follow clinical guidelines, conduct regular audits, maintain open reporting cultures, and lead by example when it comes to hand hygiene, documentation, and escalation of care concerns.

6. What is clinical governance, and how do you contribute to it?
   Answer: Clinical governance is the system through which NHS organisations ensure accountability for quality of care. I contribute by participating in audits, promoting reflective practice, and implementing evidence-based improvements.

7. Can you describe a situation where you led a change in practice?
   Answer: I led an initiative to improve pain management documentation. After identifying inconsistencies, I collaborated with the team to implement a new charting protocol, which improved compliance and patient satisfaction.

8. How do you support newly qualified nurses?
   Answer: I offer mentorship, schedule regular check-ins, provide constructive feedback, and encourage participation in CPD. I also guide them through reflective practice to build their confidence and clinical judgment.

9. How do you handle complaints from patients or relatives?
   Answer: I listen empathetically, document concerns accurately, and escalate appropriately. I aim to resolve issues locally when possible and follow Trust policy to ensure transparency and learning.

10. What strategies do you use to manage stress?
    Answer: I practice mindfulness, maintain work-life balance, and debrief after challenging incidents. I also encourage a supportive team culture where staff feel safe discussing their emotions.

11. How do you ensure effective communication during handovers?
    Answer: I use the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) format, ensure clarity and accuracy, and encourage questions to confirm understanding and continuity of care.

12. What would you do if you suspected a safeguarding issue?
    Answer: I would follow Trust safeguarding policies, escalate to the safeguarding team, and document concerns accurately while maintaining the patient’s dignity and confidentiality.

13. How do you stay up-to-date with nursing best practices?
    Answer: I regularly attend training sessions, read clinical journals, participate in professional forums, and apply NICE and Trust guidelines to my practice.

14. What would you do if there was a medication error on your shift?
    Answer: I would ensure the patient’s safety first, report the incident using the appropriate system (e.g., Datix), inform senior staff, and reflect on how to prevent recurrence through team learning.

15. How do you promote equality and diversity in your practice?
    Answer: I respect each patient’s individual values, avoid assumptions, provide culturally competent care, and challenge any discriminatory behaviors I witness.

16. How do you handle conflict within your team?
    Answer: I address issues early through open dialogue, encourage respectful communication, and seek mediation when necessary. I always aim for a resolution that maintains team cohesion and patient care quality.

17. Tell me about a time when you had to make a quick decision in an emergency.
    Answer: A patient once deteriorated rapidly due to sepsis. I immediately escalated using the NEWS2 score, initiated the sepsis six protocol, and coordinated with the crash team, contributing to a positive outcome.

18. What role does mentorship play in nursing leadership?
    Answer: Mentorship develops future leaders, supports retention, and enhances team morale. As a mentor, I provide guidance, share knowledge, and help colleagues navigate challenges with confidence.

19. How would you contribute to improving your department?
    Answer: I would analyze incident data, gather staff feedback, identify areas for improvement, and implement quality improvement projects to enhance safety and efficiency.

20. What makes you the right candidate for this Band 6 role?
    Answer: My strong clinical background, leadership skills, and passion for mentoring make me a valuable asset. I am committed to delivering safe, patient-centered care and driving continuous improvement.

Interview Preparation Tips and Final Encouragement

Nailing a Band 6 interview requires more than clinical knowledge—it’s about showcasing your leadership capabilities, communication skills, and your alignment with NHS values such as compassion, respect, and excellence. Here are a few final tips:

• Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when answering scenario-based questions.

• Research the Trust you’re applying to—understand their values, recent CQC rating, and strategic objectives.

• Dress professionally and maintain eye contact, whether it’s a virtual or in-person interview.

• Reflect on real examples from your practice that demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork.

• Be confident, stay calm, and remember: you’ve already been shortlisted for a reason—they see your potential.

Believe in your experience, lead with compassion, and you’ll walk into that interview ready to impress.

Good luck—you’ve got this